Practical Welding Today® was created to fill a void in the industry for hands-on information, real-world applications, and down-to-earth advice for welders. No other welding magazine fills the need for this kind of practical information. Subscriptions are free to qualified welding professionals in North America.

Selected articles from the November/December 2009 issue available online:

Q: I’ve seen various references to aluminum-scandium (AlSc) alloys. Apparently, the addition of scandium makes aluminum alloys stronger. But I never see these alloys used in common welded fabrication. Why? Can I weld them?
A: The major aluminum companies experimented with Sc additions to a lot...

Q: I am unclear about a section relative to the ASME B31.3 code for chemical plant piping.The area of this code referring to the type of welding process that is acceptable—328.2.2—states welding procedures qualified by others may be used, provided that the following conditions are met: The...

Q: We are just getting started in robotic welding. What advice can you give us on how to select the correct filler metal?
A: As in any high-productivity application, the main consideration in selecting a filler metal for robotic welding is performance consistency. You want a wire that will...

In times of trouble we depend on firefighters and rescue personnel to provide assistance.But who do they depend on when they need assistance, particularly when their equipment is worn down or broken? In the areas around St. Charles and Aurora, Ill., they depend on Custom Welding & Fabrication.

The number of global laser welding applications has increased over the years thanks to steady technology advancements. One of those advancements, the disk laser—a combination of a solid-state laser and a semiconductor laser—has opened the door to several new or improved joining applications.

Making interrupted cuts on materials like structurals, tubes, bundles, and angle iron can wreak havoc on your band saw blade. Not following proper blade break-in procedures can be just as damaging. Following a few tips for both can keep your band saw blade in good working order longer. It can also improve the quality of your cuts.

The Fabricator Blog

Knowing and appreciating the craft of metal fabrication - by Tim HestonThe recipe for precision metal fabrication includes technology and craft. We hear a lot about the technology, but not so much about the craft.